A total of 89 players suited up for the first day of 2014 UNLV Football Spring Practice on Monday at Rebel Park on campus. Enjoying perfect early March weather, the squad turned in some good work as the first of 15 allotted sessions went for just over two hours.

Just off the field, fifth-year head coach Bobby Hauck said he was pleased.

"It was a good start to spring ball," Hauck said. "It always comes up quickly on you. We weren't rusty -- we looked pretty sharp out there. I liked our effort and enthusiasm but now we have to make sure we maintain it for 14 more practices. Hopefully we have the fortitude to do just that."

LOTS OF YELLOW

The Rebels lost their starting quarterback, record-setter Caleb Herring, to graduation. However, there were plenty of passers at Rebel Park on Monday as a total of six players took snaps in the QB-only yellow jerseys.

Former starter Nick Sherry will be heading into his junior campaign while newcomer Blake Decker out of Scottsdale Community College signed with the Rebels in December and is expected to vie for the starting spot as well.

"We have a lot of guys out there," Hauck said. "It's a two-way race right now but someone else can always push their way into the mix."

The other scholarship quarterback is freshman redshirt Jared Lebowitz while 2013 scout team thrower Jarin Morikawa returns. Two new walkons took the field for the first time Monday: Evan Hunko out of Lakewood, Calif., who played at Cerritos College, and Levar Robinson out of Orlando, Fla.

TALENTED GUESTS

Taking in the first day of drills Monday were two former Rebels looking to continue playing football -- quarterback Caleb Herring and running back Tim Cornett. Both said they are getting ready for UNLV's official Pro Day on March 13. Also on the sidelines was former linebacker John Lotulelei, who is a member of the Jacksonville Jaguars of the NFL and is the older brother of current UNLV linebacker Tau Lotuelei.

UP NEXT
The Rebels' next practice will be Wednesday. The team will then pull on the full pads starting with Friday's session.

UNLV is scheduled to work out three times a week except for taking off for spring break from March 17-21. All practices are open to the public but viewing areas are restricted and no use of mobile communication devices will be allowed while at Rebel Park. Please note that times are subject to change.

The public is invited to attend the FREE family-friendly Spring Showcase on April 11 on campus at Rebel Park that begins at 5:30 p.m.